the gap Archives - Page 6 of 13

Brisbane Fee Cut Sparks Surge in Green Waste Recycling Bin Orders

Residents of The Gap are leading the charge in adopting green waste recycling bins in Brisbane, after the annual fee has been slashed to under $1 per week.

Read: The Gap Locals Petition To Move Bat Colony; Conservationists Advise Against It

The Gap accounted for 39 of the 1,372 green bins ordered in July 2023 across Brisbane, according to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. This represents a threefold increase compared to the same month last year, when only 452 bins were ordered citywide.

The surge in green bin orders comes after a council decision on July 1 to permanently reduce the annual green waste recycling fee from $93 to $45, or less than $1 per week. Cr Schrinner said the fee cut is part of the council’s $80 million cost of living relief package in the 2023/24 budget.

“Rising living costs are the number one issue for Brisbane households right now and that’s why our Budget is focused on helping them,” Cr Schrinner said. “I’m pleased that our decision to cut the fee has led to over 1,300 new Brisbane households adopting a green bin.”

The city currently has around 138,500 households with green bins that are collected fortnightly. Mayor Schrinner hopes the reduced cost will encourage more residents to adopt green waste recycling as Brisbane gears up to expand its food organics recycling program in the future.

Read: The Gap Netball Club Among ‘Woolworths Eat Fresh Play Fresh’ Grant Recipients

The council reminds residents to check if they have enough space to store a new green bin before ordering one. Households are limited to two bins maximum, but can request more if needed. Visit the council website for more information on green waste recycling bins, such as the acceptable and unacceptable bin items.

Published 17-August-2023

The Gap Spotlights Brisbane Flight Path Changes and Noise Action Plan

To address the escalating issue of aircraft noise, a long-abandoned flight path plan for Brisbane Airport has resurfaced with a renewed proposal for significant changes. Here’s how it will impact residents of The Gap.

The plan, dropped over two decades ago, has been revamped to include a controversial suggestion of round-the-clock simultaneous takeoffs and landings from both runways at the airport. The proposed changes were unveiled by Airservices Australia (ASA), a federal aviation agency, as part of a new Noise Action Plan.

As this will be a major change, various community consultations across Brisbane are underway until 10 September 2023. In The Gap, the consultation is scheduled for 23 August 2033 at St Marks Church Hall along Waterworks Rd.

ASA has encouraged public participation in these discussions and has assured that a range of experts will be present to address questions and concerns. The consultation process is part of ASA’s efforts to incorporate community feedback into its decision-making process.

Residents may also give their feedback online through the ASA site.

Engagement Session Registration

New Noise Action Plan

One of the most striking alterations to the new Noise Action Plan entails permitting 24-hour simultaneous takeoffs and landings from the airport’s two runways. This adjustment, known as Simultaneous Opposite Direction Runway Operations (SODPROPS), would potentially direct more aircraft over Moreton Bay.

Since the inauguration of the second runway in July 2020, ASA had initially claimed that SODPROPS could be safely executed only during nighttime hours when flight volume was lower. However, the plan now envisions extending this practice throughout the day, contingent on wind patterns, weather conditions, and air traffic volume aligning favourably.

Read Final Report

The resurgence of the flight path plan comes after mounting complaints from residents about increased aircraft noise, even during lockdown periods. The controversial decision to open the second runway led to noise-related grievances, prompting ASA to address the matter through community feedback and consultation.

Marcus Foth, spokesperson for the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), expressed both appreciation and reservation regarding the proposal’s expansion. He welcomed the 24-hour implementation of SODPROPS but criticized ASA for not implementing such measures sooner.

Foth claimed that the aviation agency has complicated the issue by inundating the public with technical jargon, impeding informed public engagement.

ASA’s proposal also includes exploring alternative flight path options, to be developed over the following two years, and aimed at sharing the noise burden more evenly across the city. These options, ASA asserts, will not increase the airport’s capacity but will offer respite for affected areas.

The outcome of the consultation and the subsequent revisions to the Noise Action Plan will likely shape the future of Brisbane’s flight paths and determine whether these changes will successfully alleviate the escalating concerns of affected residents.

Published 8-Aug-2023

Expect New Footpaths, Pedestrian Bridges, Road Resurfacing, and Other Enhancements at The Gap Ward This Year

New footpaths, road resurfacing projects, and enhancements to the local parks and amenities are just some of the things to expect this financial year in The Gap Ward. Here’s a breakdown of what the 2023-24 budget includes for the area.

Read: Keperra’s Newest Masterplanned Community ‘The Quarry’ to Opens its Doors in 2024

Road Realignment

One significant project involves the road realignment of Minnie Street in Upper Kedron, stretching from Cedar Creek Road to Rosella Street. This realignment aims to enhance traffic flow and facilitate improved accessibility to public transportation throughout the wider local community.

Park Upgrades

Following community consultation, the Alfred and Lucina Best Park, Paten Park Dog Off-Leash Area, and the Walton Bridge Reserve are about to receive improvements.

The Gap Ward — Alfred and Lucina Best Park (Photo credit: Rachid Ghariss/Google Maps)

Aside from these parks in The Gap, other parks in the ward including Honeyeater Street Park in Upper Kedron, Movilla Street Park in Ferny Grove, and Selkirk Crescent Park in Upper Kedron are also set to receive upgrades.

Road Resurfacing

This budget features a record spend of $103m on road resurfacing. In The Gap, this includes Settlement Road, which will be from Kilbowie to Yarrabee Road. There will also be road resurfacing on Bryant Street in Ashgrove, Julatten Place in Upper Kedron, and Tozer Street in Keperra.

Footpaths, Bikeways and Pedestrian Bridges

Councillor for The Gap ward Steven Toomey announced that this year’s budget will see over $1.1m spent on footpaths, bikeways and pedestrian bridges in The Gap Ward. It includes:

Corbie Street, Ashgrove
Payne Road, The Gap
Weemala Street, The Gap
Nathan Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, Ashgrove
Payne Road from Blucher Ave to Kernal Street, The Gap

Creek Vegetation Management

Cr Toomey said creek vegetation management has been budgeted for Ithaca Creek near Jubilee Terrace, Ashgrove and Kedron Brook near Kirralee Crescent, Upper Kedron for this financial year.

Major Drainage Works at The Gap Ward

In the ward, there are two notable drainage projects underway. The first is Stage 2 of Keperra Picnic Ground Park whilst the second project is focused on Naroo and Devonhill Street in The Gap.

“Drainage projects play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and functionality of communities like ours by managing water effectively and protecting both the built and natural environment,” Cr Toomey said.

Read: Remembering Dr Ian Marshall and his Extraordinary Contributions to The Gap

Cr Toomey has assured that additional information will be provided as each project progresses.

Published 7-July-2023

Remembering Dr Ian Marshall and his Extraordinary Contributions to The Gap

Photo Credit: Order of Malta-Australia/Facebook

In the tight-knit community of The Gap, the late Dr Ian Marshall was known as a dedicated servant whose selfless actions left an indelible impact on the lives of many.

Recently laid to rest at St Paschal’s Church in Wavell Heights, Dr Marshall’s funeral brought together a multitude of mourners who spoke of his unwavering commitment and support for various causes.

One of his enduring commitments in life was to the RSL sub-branch at The Gap, the very place he called home for the majority of his life. Remarkably, he was actively seeking a piper for the Anzac Day ceremonies just days before his passing, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the community.

However, Dr Marshall’s contributions extended beyond his local community. In recognition of his exceptional service, Pope Benedict XVI honoured him in 2011 by naming him a Knight Commander with Star in the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great. At his funeral, Archbishop Mark Coleridge acknowledged that few members in Australia had shown as much extraordinary service to the Order of Malta as Dr Marshall.

Danny Higgins, the Order of Malta’s hospitaller for the North Eastern Region (Queensland), fondly remembered Dr Marshall as a dear friend and an exceptional example of a Knight of Magistral Grace. He highlighted Dr Marshall’s leadership roles within the Order of Malta, including the former national president, former national hospitaller, and former Queensland chairman. Moreover, Dr Marshall played a pivotal role in expanding the Order’s presence in various Asia-Pacific nations.

His impact was not limited to the Order of Malta. As a family doctor for 46 years, he cared for thousands of families in Western Brisbane, forging deep connections with those in his care. His dedication extended to the Walton Bridge Medical Centre, where he was an early partner, and the University of Queensland, where he taught and trained future General Reserve officers for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Beyond medicine, Dr Marshall’s diverse interests showcased his passion for life. A lover of horses, he rode throughout his life and engaged in the world of thoroughbred racing as a member of the Bernborough Club.

He was an avid sailor, pilot, and collector of wine. Driven by a belief in service, his conservative political views centred around using institutions to better society rather than accruing power for a few.

Dr Marshall’s charitable work left a lasting legacy. His involvement with charity race meetings and Mt Olivet hospice led him to the Sisters of Charity, with whom he worked for over 20 years. This connection eventually led him to the Order of Malta, where his faith in Christ found expression through giving and service. The charity work also took him and his wife, Judith, to East Timor, where they helped build hospital and ambulance services.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr Marshall received numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including being named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for his services to rural education, medical care, and the beef industry.

Beyond his numerous accomplishments, those who knew Dr. Marshall remember him as a man of humour, ready to share a laugh with those around him. He possessed a keen interest in the lives of others, deeply caring for his family, his Scottish heritage, and the wider community.

Published 13-June-2023

Big Turnout for the Public Memorial of Beloved The Gap Resident Wendy Smith

Photo Credit: Vlanka/Pixabay

A public memorial for beloved The Gap resident Wendy Smith, who went missing in February 2023, had a big turnout as family and friends showed their support and love for the deceased and the family she left behind.

Locals gathered at the Walton Bridge Park Lions Shelter Shed on Saturday, the 25th of March 2023, for a barbecue to celebrate Wendy’s life.

Suzette Robinson, Ms Smith’s daughter, and her husband, Mark Robinson, expressed their thanks to the members of The Gap community who helped with their mother’s search, or donated money to cover the funeral cost, and temporarily looked after Ross Smith, Wendy’s husband with dementia. They also extended their gratitude to all those who reached out, consoled and offered whatever the family needed in their time of grief.

Wendy was last seen leaving her house on foot at 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd of February 2023 and did not bring her mobile phone, bank cards or personal items. While she had no physical ailments or mental health concerns, police treated her disappearance as out of character.

Two weeks after she disappeared, the police confirmed Wendy’s death. The circumstances surrounding her death were not treated as suspicious. Wendy apparently left a note saying she was leaving but did not elaborate on what she planned to do.

Wendy and her husband have been residents of The Gap for over four decades and raised three children. She was a member of The Gap Gardening Club and volunteered with Ashgrove/The Gap Lions. The elderly woman was familiar to a lot of local families because she used to work at Avant Shoes, the popular source of school shoes. Reports cited that no one had a clue that she was having financial troubles and was struggling to care for her ailing husband.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a personal crisis, phone Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Published 28 March 2023

The Gap Tops List of Worst Rat-Infested Suburbs

Photo Credit: Skitter Photo/Pixabay

The Council rodent detection squad has gotten busier than ever after the average calls for rat removal ballooned from 600 to nearly 1,000 a year and The Gap tops the list of the worst rat-infested suburbs with 17 calls in the previous year.

A report also cited that Sunnybank Hills emerged second on the list of worst rat-infested suburbs with 12 calls whilst Bracken Ridge closely followed with 11 calls. Moorooka, Carindale and Wavell Heights had nine calls each.

Cr Kim Marx said that homeowners may be contributing to the rat infestation if they make it a habit to leave food outdoors, especially for their pets. Rodents bring diseases but also cause physical damage to properties, especially electrical wirings in vehicles, according to Kris Kozera, a Council rodent control officer. Mr Kozera has been training fox terriers for the rodent detection squad and recently brought in Molly, a five-month-old pup for a hunt.

The rodent detection squad usually visits 1,500 homes a year for inspections and calls. The inspections are free but dealing with an infestation, once discovered, may be a costly but needed investment.

Brisbane City Council has had a rodent detection squad since the 1900s when the city was plagued with rats.

Rat catcher 1900s — Photo Credit: Rat Catcher ad from 1925/National Library of Australia

Rat Catcher brisbane — Photo Credit: Rat Detection Squad in the 1940s/Brisbane City Council

Meanwhile, Council advises homeowners to rat-proof their homes and properties by keeping things tidy. Bins must be secured well outside whilst leftover foods must be kept and stored properly indoors.

Holes and any blockages at home should be regularly checked and repaired if needed as rats can squeeze into these areas. Better yet, place metal gauze on exposed pipe openings to restrict the rats from going in.

If there are overhanging tree branches on the roof of a house, these should be trimmed as soon as possible so that rats can’t enter the roof cavity.

For additional rat-proofing tips, visit the Council’s official site.

Published 23 March 2023

Man Almost Lost Motorcycle After A Kerbside Collection Service ‘Misunderstanding’

As the kerbside collection service rolled out for The Gap and other West Brisbane suburbs, the public is being reminded that not everything in the front yard is for kerbside pickup.

Read: Brisbane’s Lowest Number of Vehicle Thefts Found in The Gap

This comes after a local from The Gap almost lost his motorcycle to another man who assumed that it’s up for grabs during the kerbside collection service for The Gap earlier in 2023.

In a Facebook group, the local described the man in a silver falcon ute with a trailer, which already had ‘several’ bikes in it, along with other common kerbside items.

Picture shown is for representation purpose only (Photo credit: Dan Monteggia/Pexels)

Whilst it could be a misunderstanding, the local doubted the intention of the man, adding that it’s common sense to know that a registered motorcycle wouldn’t be for kerbside pickup. Besides the fact that the bike sits within his property, it also has a number plate.

Because of the incident, the local was forced to stick a handwritten note on his bike, which reads that it’s “Not for Curbside Cleanup.”

Getting Items from the Kerbside

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Technically, there are no laws that prohibits anyone from getting items left for kerbside collection. Brisbane City Council did not impose any regulations that prevent people from scavenging off other people’s rubbish.

In fact, several councils throughout Australia encourage salvaging items, which include donating and upcycling to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

Still, it’s common knowledge that a registered vehicle is not something one could get during a kerbside collection service.

If you’re interested in picking up stuff left for kerbside collection, here are a few things to consider to make the adventure stress-free:

Leave things tidy. If you want to put back a certain item, perhaps because you decided that you no longer want to take it home, return it exactly to the place where you found it. To speed up the collection process, Council encourages keeping piles tidy on the kerb.

Be respectful. Technically, an item still belongs to the one who left it there until it’s collected by Council. Hence, as a way of showing courtesy, try to contact the person and ask if it’s okay to bring it home.

Read: Did You Know? Early European Settlers Established the Gap as a Major Food Producer

Don’t break anything. Be extra careful when handling breakable items such as electronic waste and small household appliances. If you feel like a certain part of an item will be good for your next DIY project, consider taking it as a whole rather than breaking it apart.

Published 6-March-2023

Local Environmental Groups Conduct Clean Up Across The Gap Ward Parks

Though composed of only a handful of people, a small group of locals from bush care groups across The Gap have been conducting clean-ups of parks across the ward, taking care of the beautiful greenery and the creek for the community.

Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare Group

In mid-January 2023, the amazing crew from the Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare Group woke up early to replant and regenerate the greenery on Riaweena St, Gymea St and Tandara St. The plants have been growing in perfect condition, especially with some light rains and moisture in the night.

The group finished off their work with morning tea and are eager to see more hands joining them for their next tasks. Follow the group on Facebook for updates.

the Gap Bushcare — Photo Credit: Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare/Facebook

Corbie Street Bushcare Group

The Corbie Street Bushcare Group worked on weeding out Singapore Daisy and other vines or weeds across the riparian zone on the Enoggera Creek in late January. They conduct clearing activities at least once a month and would also love more volunteers to join their activities for conserving nature. Those interested may email corbieparkbcg@gmail.com for more information.

Men of the Trees Queensland

This environmental group worked on Keryn Place Park in Keppera by planting and propagating Ludwigia Octovalvis plants. In December 2022, Men of the Trees Queensland also weeded out Singapore Daisy around this bushland before it grows lush and cover drains, irrigation and footpaths along the creek. Learn more about this group by following their Facebook page or emailing info@mottqld.com.au.

Cultivating Friendships at the Yoorala Street Community Garden in The Gap

Check out the Yoorala Street Community Garden in The Gap, an organic garden that does not use any fertilisers, pesticides or fungicides, with green spaces divided into communal areas maintained by all of the members.

Opened in 2010, this garden space is such a welcoming site for people of all abilities to cultivate crops and develop friendships and skills. Members pay an annual fee to help with the facility’s upkeep and progress.

Regular work on the gardens happens on a Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the colder months of April to October and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the warmer months of November to March.

Photo Credit: Yoorala St Community Garden/Facebook

Children supervised by adults are welcome to join and learn gardening techniques or develop their love for nature at such a young age. Members with accessibility needs may work on the raised garden beds or in access-friendly areas with paths.

Members who have more to spare financially may also rent one of the 31 plots available to use for their own crops and materials. They are expected to work on their plots at least four times a year.

As this is a community garden, everyone is encouraged to swap and share what they have planted.

Yoorala Street Community Garden grows fruits and vegetables, as well as flourishing flowers. Members also come to play with the kids or their pets in the open spaces.

To learn more about becoming a member, renting a plot, or participating in the activities, email yscgsecretary@gmail.com for your enquiries.

“A well organised community garden. Well worth a visit on Sunday for a working bee to see if you’d like to join. Bring a plate, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and minds.”
Shionagh

“Great native and euro gardens. Nice friendly people who are always welcoming, happy to educate and accept your help.”
Hairy

“A well patronised community garden, a Men’s Shed and a great dog off leash park. What’s not to like?!”
Michael

Did You Know? Early European Settlers Established the Gap as a Major Food Producer

Dave and Barbara Anderson’s Poultry Farm in Settlement Road, The Gap. Circa 1935 | Photo credit: The Gap Historical Society / /thegaphistory.com

Did you know that The Gap was a farming community from the 1860s until a few years after the end of World War II? Owing to their deep knowledge of traditional English farming methods, early settlers established this valley as a major food producer for Brisbane town.

The area now known as The Gap was a heavily forested area with abundant vegetation and wildlife before early European settlers acquired lands across the valley. Initially, the area was turned into a timber-felling area before converting it into farmland.

It is believed that the first crown lease of land belonged to Darby McGrath in 1851, who established a cattle and sheep station across the valley. Ownership would then change hands for the next four decades.

Glenmore house and diary which later became Glenmore Estate | Photo credit: The Gap Historical Society / /thegaphistory.com

Early settlers cultivated the land to grow crops to feed their cattle who in turn provided them with milk, cream and butter, and meat. They also raised horses, pigs and poultry and grew vegetables and fruits for their own use and as a source of income, selling excess produce to weekend travellers who visited the area.

In other areas of the district, farmers grew pineapples and bananas whilst others specialised in lettuce growing and other vegetables which they sell or exchange for other goods or produce.

Since there was no piped water available at the time, despite the area being close to the reservoir, farmers either relied on Fish Creek (a tributary of the Enoggera) or cart water from a tank near the reservoir.

After World War I, about 413 acres of land were cut into 42 small farms as a “soldier settlement” where a poultry industry was established in 1919. The number of holdings, however, dwindled to eight after a few years as many of the farms failed commercially.

Settlement Road 1920s | Photo credit: The Gap Historical Society / /thegaphistory.com

Those who chose to remain refined their farming skills through trial and error. Soon, they would form the Soldier’s Settlement Co-operative Hatchery Association Ltd. to share knowledge and help one another.

During World War II, a group of farmers supplied chickens for the American Catering Corps whilst others found success in the “cut flower” industry. Some also sold their produce carrying carts loaded with lettuce, radish, celery, shallots and more. Others, however, ventured into orchard farming in the area, later known as “Ashgrove Park Estate”, but weren’t as successful due to the acidity of the soil.

About 1939, Claude Hamilton Mason established Mason’s Jam Factory east of the Ashgrove Golf Course, producing bottled jams and pickles until circa 1990.

By 1949, Post Office records showed five poultry farmers in the district as well as two dairy farmers, a jam maker, the Stirling granite quarry, and the church and a grocer in Waterworks Road.

The first residential subdivision was given approval with “Berry Estate-Walton Bridge” selling 27 blocks on 14 January 1956. Other estates followed including Ashgrove Park, Beverly Hills, Parkdale, Curtisfield, Majestic Outlook, Alton, Grant-Lea, Glenbrae, Finlayson & Farrell, Eastern-Vista